Vactnim-operated liquid-feed bevice



J. C. COULOMBE. VACUUM OPERATED LIQUID FEED DEVICE. APPucAT on man APR. 19. ms.

Patented Jan. 18, 1921.-

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V A TTORN'EY J. C. COULOMBER VACUUM OPERATED LIQUID FEED DEVICE.

APPLiCATlON HLED APR. 19. 1918.

1,366,061 Patented Jan. 18, 1921.

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. ATTORNEY UNITED STATES PATENT QFFICE.

JOSEPH C. COULOMBE, OF IDRACU'I', MASSACHUSETTS.

VACUUM-OPERATED LIQUID-FEED DEVICE.

Application filed April 19,

1 '0 a]? cmlom it may concern.

Be it known that I, Josurrf C. CoULoMnn, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of llracut, in the county of Middlesex and State of Massachusetts, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Vamum-Operated Liquid-Feed Devices, of which the following is a specification, the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof.

The invention relates to fuel feeding devices, now commonly known in the art as vacuum feeds. Such devices, broadly speaking. are commonly used for raising fuel from a supply tank arranged at a low level to a level higher than the carbureter of the engine, to which carbureter the fuel is supplied by gravity under a constant pressure or static head.

The term vacuum feed is applied to' such devices, inasmuchas sub-atmospheric pressures, such as developed in the manifold of the engine, are utilized to draw the fuel from the supply tank to the vacuum feed device. e

The objects of the invention are to provide an improved device, reducing, as far as p ssible. the moving elements and insuring 1 defi ite and assured control of the fuel as it is fed.

Further objec s of the inven ion are hereinafter s t forth in the accompanying description and the claims.

it co-pendin application Fier No. 229.,"3? tiled April 19., 1918, there is shown a type of vacuum feed device having certain features of similarity to the device herein shown and described. though lacking certain features and improvements which are made the subject of claims in the present application.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure l is a somewhat diagrammatic view, illustrating the application of the device to an internal combustion engine.

Fig. 2 is a vertical section" through the casing of the liquid feeding device.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentarydetail view illustrating a modification of the liquid'seal .control.

l ig. 3 is a top plan view of the device of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4: is a view in elevation of the inner casing containing the operating mechanism.

The invention'here-in described pertains largely to the means of controlling the ac- Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Jan. 18, 1921.

1918. serial No. 229,538.

9 tion of the valve and the connected mechanism, which is directly responsible for the control of the degree of pressure which draws the fuel from the fuel supply tank to a vacuum chamber and passes the same to a supplementaldistributing chamber.

As hereinafter defined, there is a liquid seal chamber encirclingthe float, which has a peculiar influence upon the action of the float and the valve controlled thereby, and insures a proper opening and closing of the valve with definite time intervals to provide for filling and discharging the operating or suction chamber.

In the accompanying drawings, E indicates an internal combustion engine of a type suitable for use on vehicles.

ingits suction or operating chamber with the manifold M, through an intermediate manifold :25, upon the top of the suction chamber and hereinafter described; a connecticn a, connecting said chamber with the fuel supply tank F, through the manifold 2*: and a connection 3 connecting the supplrInCnt-al or distributing chamber of the vacuum feed with the carb-ireter C.

Suction induced in the manifold of the engine or otherwise reduces the pressure in the operating or suction chamber of the de vicetea suf cient-decjree to cause the fuel from the tank F, to be drawn or forced into the suction chamber. From this chamber it is periodically released and drops into the distributing chamber, and from said distributing chamber it flows by gravity to the carbureter C.

The suction line 8, is herein illustrated as communicating with the manifold of the engine, but it is obvious that suction may be induced through the pump-circulating system or by any other suitable means.

The vacuum feed device consists essentially of an inner casing 1, providing a sucture are combined to cooperate to control the action of the vacuum or sub-atmospheric pressure impressed upon the suction chamber 2, and the flow of liquid to said chamber and from said chamber to the distributing chamber 4.

As illustrated, the outer or main casing 3, is of tubular form and is provided at its lower end with the supply connection 8 through which fuel is fed to the carbru'eter. It also has a drain plug p, by which the coir tents of the distributing chamber 4, may be drawn off. Within the chamber is arranged a chamois strainer t.

Lugs or bosses 9, within the casing form a support for the inner casing 1, which is of a form that will telescope within the casing 3. It may be locked thereto by a setscrew 10. The outer casing 3, is supported with the inner casing in any suitable man ner, as by brackets ll, there being a lease lit between the casi s 1 and 3, so that chamber 4, is always substantially at atmospheric pressure.

The inner casing 1, has indented portions 12, forming expansion pockets between the walls of the casings 1 and 3, to provide against flooding of the liquid from the chamber 4, in case it expands or, from other causes, rises above the lower end of the casing 1.

At the lower end of the shell or casing l, is arranged an annular flange 13, to which is secured a plate 14, there being an intermediate packing gasket 15, to seal the joint.

The plate 14, has a valve opening 16 con: trolled by the valve 8. Centrally arra get in the valve 8, is a relief valve 17, which may be adjusted to its seat 18, and to the main valve stem 19. The main valve stem is connected with a lever 20, pivoted to bracket 21, as at 22, and has a slot and pin connection 23, 24, with the float 7.

At the upper and outer side of the casing 1, is arranged a manifold block 25, which has a connection 26, for the fuel supply pipe 8', and a connection 27, for the suction line 8. The suction line .9, through the manifold and a perforation s communicates with the chamber 2. A fuel inlet connection 28,

extends from the manifold into the charm ber 2.

The float 7, slides upon a guide-pin 29, which extends through the upper end of the inverted cup 6, and has a screw-threaded engagement with the manifold. It is locked in position by a set-screw 30.

The inverted cup 6, of the liquid seal chamber has extending about it an annular flange 31, forming a cup. Within the main wall of the inverted cup is an upwardly extending flange 32. Perforations 33, form a communication between the cup of the flange 31, and the cup of the flange 32. The inner flange extends nearly to the top of the chamber 5.

Below the inlet tube 28, there is a deflector 34, which causes the inflowing liquid to run into the cup formed by the flange 31, keep- .ing this flange constantly full of liquid and sealing the perforations 33.

The flanges, above described, serve as a relief or what might be termed regulatoi for the liquid seal chamber 5, and serve to permit an automatic adjustment cf the pres sures within said liquid seal chamber 5, and the suction chamber 2.

This arrangement permits the use of a stationary liquid seal chamber and provides for the requisite pause or time interval for insuring a filling of the suction chamber to a required level. and the emptying thereof.

Extending through the float '7, is an opening 35, which has extending below it an ad justable tube 36, that projects near y to the bottom of the chamber 2. This opening and tube serve as a vent for the liquid seal or float controlling chamber 5, and breaks the vacuum of said chamber when the contents of the suction chamber 2, falls below the end of the tube 36.

Of course, the tube 36, is not essential. to the operation of the device, as the suction would be broken as soon as the liquid fell 3Ql0W the lower edge of the float 7, and permitted air to enter the opening 35, werev the tube not used.

By using the adjustable tube, the chamber ma be drained of its contents to a level be- ;he level of the bottom of the float; and the height of the tube above the bottom of the chamber 2, determines the point to which said chamber will be drained.

The operation of the device is as follows:

lVith the parts in the position shown in Fig. 2, fuel will be drawn into the chamber 2, until it reaches the lower edge of the inverted cup 6. It will then seal said cup and continue to rise in the chamber 2, and in the liquid seal chamber, although therewill be a difference of level in said chambers. This difference of level will be maintained until the float is finally forced upward. Any normal differences in relative pressures of the chamber 5, and chamber 2, will be automatically adjusted to a proper degree through the perforations 33, and liquid seal of the cups formed by the flanges 31,

As soon as the float 7 begins to rise,

the

valve 17, will open and there will be a rel ll 0 tions oi? pressure and the liquid in the chamber 5, until the level of liquid in the chamber 9, falls below the end of the vent tube 36. Thereupon, the relative pressures of the chambers 5 and 2, will tend to equalize and the float will be released, the contents of the chamber 5, discharging, and flowing by gravity to the distributing chamber a, from which it feeds to the carbureter.

It will be noted that with the liquid seal chamber defined, a flooding of the suction chamber is obviated.

In the event of there being a very sudden rise 01'? level of the liquid in the suction chamber, the static head of this liquid will raise the level in the liquid seal chamber. Under an increase of pressure in said chamber, a relief will be afforded to the desired degree through the perforations 33, and interconnected cups. The outer cup is, of course, always kept flooded with liquid from the fuel inlet connection.

The cups formed by the flanges 31, 32, are used as a matter of convenience. It is quite obvious, however, that the same effect can be secured with a tube having a long arm w, and short arm y, and extending through the wall of the liquid seal chamber, provided, of course the elbow e, of the tube is constantly filled with liquid. These parts may be designed as desired to suit the exigencies of any particular requirement, and upon their size and arrangement will depend the difference in static head of the liquid in the liquid seal chamber and suction chamber.

The interconnected cups with the contained liquid form what is in effect an automatic regulator, operating under ditl'erences in pressures impressed upon the suction chamber and the liquid seal chamber, thereby influencing and determining the operation of the float and attached valve.

lVhat I claim as my invention and desire to secure by Letters Patent is.

1. In a fuel feeding device, a suction chamber. a float and valve mechanism controlling the level of liquid of said suction chamber. a liquid seal chamber controlling said mechanism, said liquid seal chamber opening to the suction chamber and closed by a rise of level of liquid in said suction chamber, and an automatically actuated regulating means for regulating the relative.

pressures of the liquid seal chamber and the suction chamber.

2. In a fuel feeding device, a suction chamber, a float and valve mechanism controlling the level of liquid of said suction chamber, a liquid seal chamber controlling said mechanism, said liquid seal chamber opening to the suction chamber .and closed by a rise of level of liquid in said suction chamber, and liquid sealing means for the liquid seal chamber providing an automatic regulator to regulate the pressure of the liquid seal chamber.

In a fuel feeding device, a suction chamber, a float and valve mechanism controlling the level of liquid of said suction chamber, a liquid seal chamber controlling said mechanism, said liquid seal chamber opening to the suction chamber and closed by a rise of level of liquid in said suction chamber, and regulator including the liquid for utilizing the static head of liquid of the suction chamber for maintaining definite variations of the level of liquid in the liquid seal. chamber.

4:. In a fuel feeding device, a suction chamber, a float and valve mechanism controlling the level of liquid of said suction chamber, a liquid seal chamber controlling said mechanism, said liquid seal chamber opening to the suction chamber and closed by a rise of level. ot liquid in said suction chamber, and a regulator incltuling a liquid for automatically controlling the rise of liquid in the liquid seal chamber dependent upon the height of the level of liquid in the suction chamber.

5. In a fuel feeding device, a suction chamber, a float and valve mechanism controlling the level of liquid of said suction chamber, a

liquid seal chamber controlling said mechanism, said liquid seal chamber opening to the suction chamber and closed by a rise of level of liquid in said suction chamber, and a regulator sealed by a liquid seal for controlling the pressures of the liquid seal chamber dependent upon the rise and fall o1"- level of liquid in the suction chamber.

6. A liquid seal chamber for governing a float and valve mechanism, consisting of an inverted cup having a liquid seal device extending through the wall thereof and providing a re ulator for adjusting the pressures oi the liquid seal device and controlling the action of the float and valve mechanism.

7. A liquid seal chamber for governing a float and valve mechanism, consisting of an inverted cup having flanges forming cups on the interior and exterior wall of the inverted cup, and openings connecting the interior and exterior cups, whereby a liquid may pass from one cup to the other and permit the passage oi? air bubbles.

8. A liquid seal chamber for governing a float and valve mechanism, consisting of an inverted cup having flanges forming cups on the interior and exterior wall of the inverted cup, said interior flange having its edge extended above the top of the exterior flange, and openings connecting the interior and exterior cups, whereby a liquid may pass from one cup to the other and permit the passage of air bubbles.

9. In a fuel feeding device, a suction chamber, distributing chamber, a suction connection for the suction chamber, a fuel supply connection for said chamber, a float and valve mechanism controlling the level of liquid of said suction chamber and the passage of liquid from said chamber to the dis tributing chamber, a liquid seal chamber encircling said float adapted to be sealed by a rise of level of liquid in the suction chamber, and liquid sealing means for the liquid seal chamber sealed by the liquid entering through the fuel supply connection.

10. In a fuel feeding device, a suction chamber, a distributing chamber, a suction connection for the suction chamber, a fuel. supply connection for said chamber, a float and valve mechanism controlling the level of liquid of said suction chamber and the passage of liquid from said chamber to the dis tributing chamber, a liquid seal chamber encircling said float adapted to be sealed by a riseof level of liquid in the suction chamber, and liquid 1g means for the liquid seal chamber com, using upwardly extendinc' cups arranged interiorly and exteriorly or the wall of the liquir: seal chamber and interconnected through said wall, said connection sealed by the liquid entering through the fuel supply connection.

11. In a fuel feeding device, a suction chamber, a distributing chamber, a suction connection for the suction chamber, a fuel supply connection for the suction chamber, a float and valve mechanism controlling the level of liquid of said suction chamber and the flow of liquid therefrom to the distributing chamber, a liquid seal chamber controlling said mechanism, aid chamber opening to the suction chamber and closed by a rise of level of liquid in said chamber, automatically operated means for controlling the pressures of the liquid seal chamber during a rise of level of liquid in the suction chamber, thereby controlling the rise of level of liquid in said liquid seal chamber, and means for equalizing the relative pressures of the liquid seal and suction chambers when the level of liquid in the suction chamber has fallen to a pre-determined point.

12. In a fuel feeding device, a suction chamber, a float and valve mechanism con trolling the level of liquid in said chamber, a suction connection for said suction chamber, a fuel supply connection therefor, a liquid seal chamber controlling the float and valve mechanisn'i and having a regulator for permitting automatic adjustment of the pressures of said chamber, and means for deflecting the liquid from the fuel feeding connection to the regulator.

13. In a fuel feeding device, an exterior casing member, an interior casing member, said members telescoping one within the other. depressions in the wall of the interior casing forming expansion pockets between thlie of said casings, a connection communicating with the fuel tank and the interior casing, a connection communicating with the interior casing and a source of suction, and a delivery connection extending from the exterior casing.

14. In a fuel feeding device, an exterior asing member, an interior casing member, said members telescoping one within the other, means for supporting the interior casing within the exterior casing, means for locking said casings together, depressions in the v. ll of the interior casing forming expansion pockets between the walls of said conn ction communicating with lQl tank and the interior casing, a conuectien communicating with the interior casing and a source of suction, and a del' 'ery connection extending from the exterior easing.

JOQEPH O. COULOMBE.

Witnesses lVannnn A. Bisnor, CLEMENT MAUDE. 

